Captain Andrew Strauss is confident England's 267-run defeat in the third Ashes Test at the WACA will not cause panic in his side.

The tourists failed to bat out even the opening hour on the fourth day in Perth as Australia grabbed the five wickets they needed to level the series 1-1 with two Tests to play.

Strauss admitted the defeat was disappointing - particularly pointing at his side's failures with the bat after managing scores of just 187 and 123 - after their innings win in Adelaide a fortnight ago.

But the skipper believes his team's performances in the first two Tests will ensure they remain calm and confident they can still retain the Ashes.

"It's very disappointing defeat. No doubt about it," Strauss said.

"We came fully expecting to play the same brand of cricket that we played in Adelaide.

"We were in a great position after bowling them out for 268 and then being 70-odd for none in reply.

"The batting in both innings was sub-par.

"But we have to retain a sense of perspective. This result doesn't make us a bad team overnight.

"We need to retain the confidence we built from the first two Tests and come out all guns blazing in Melbourne.

"Now is not a time for panic. It is important to retain the method that's worked well."

There have been some calls for England to elevate in-form right-hander Ian Bell above Paul Collingwood to number five in the batting order, a notion Strauss said could come under consideration before the Boxing Day Test.

"I won't rule it out, we have to look on what we can do better," he said.

"But ultimately this is not a time for panic, we have to keep a cool head."

Strauss also paid credit to Mitchell Johnson for turning the game Australia's way following his devastating spell on the second morning.

Johnson, recalled after missing the Adelaide Test, took nine wickets in the match including six for 38 in the first innings.

"In some ways you have to give Australia credit," Strauss added.

"That spell from Mitchell Johnson on the second morning ripped apart our top order.

"We were always behind in the game after that and credit to them for not letting us back in.

"The batting we have to say was not good enough. We have to learn from that and try and relate back to what we did well in Brisbane and Adelaide.

"If we can keep playing that same brand of cricket we have played in the majority of the series, then we have a great chance of retaining the Ashes."

Australia captain Ricky Ponting thanked his side for providing him a "great birthday present", despite the Tasmanian being unable to take the field on the fourth morning due to a fractured finger.

Ponting failed to take the field after x-rays confirmed he suffered a fracture in the little finger on his left hand late on the third day.

Despite his absence, the Australians raced to victory with Ryan Harris taking four of the five wickets to fall this morning to return career-best figures of six for 47.

"It's a great birthday present today to win Ashes Test like we did," said Ponting.

"We've had plenty of doubters and we knew we had to turn things around quick. It is great for the boys to play the way they did.

"Now we have set new standards."

Ponting is also confident he will be fit to lead his side in Melbourne.

"I was a bit sore today. I can't afford to take knock on it at this stage," he said.

"I needs time to heal. I think I'm a good chance to play in Melbourne.

"I haven't been game to grab a bat yet. I'll wait a couple of days before I do that.

"As far as fingers go though it's not a bad one to break."